Tioman Island Research Articles

Environmental Practices of SICs Operators

The uncontrolled lodging industry usually caused environmental degradation. However, some lodging operators have started to incorporate green practices in their operation. The objectives of this study are to identify green practices of Small Island Chalets (SICs) operators in Kapas and Tioman Island in Malaysia and to determine the differences of the green practices on the both islands. This study had employed case study method using in-depth interview and structured observation. Six case studies were selected. The findings had identified the difference and several green practices of the operators. Therefore, this study provides a platform for another similar study to be conducted.

Relationship between adult abundance and successive coral recruitment density in the Tioman Island Marine Park, Malaysia

AbstractIt is important to understand coral recruitment as coral reefs are regionally in decline. The pattern and magnitude of coral recruitment strongly influence conservation options and manageme...

Pollination by the locally endangered island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) enhances fruit production of the economically important durian (Durio zibethinus).

Fruit bats provide valuable pollination services to humans through a unique coevolutionary relationship with chiropterophilous plants. However, chiropterophily in the Old World and the pollination roles of large bats, such as flying foxes (Pteropus spp., Acerodon spp., Desmalopex spp.), are still poorly understood and require further elucidation. Efforts to protect these bats have been hampered by a lack of basic quantitative information on their role as ecosystem service providers. Here, we investigate the role of the locally endangered island flying fox Pteropus hypomelanus in the pollination ecology of durian (Durio zibethinus), an economically important crop in Southeast Asia. On Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia, we deployed 19 stations of paired infrared camera and video traps across varying heights at four individual flowering trees in a durian orchard. We detected at least nine species of animal visitors, but only bats had mutualistic interactions with durian flowers. There was a clear vertical stratification in the feeding niches of flying foxes and nectar bats, with flying foxes feeding at greater heights in the trees. Flying foxes had a positive effect on mature fruit set and therefore serve as important pollinators for durian trees. As such, semi‐wild durian trees—particularly tall ones—may be dependent on flying foxes for enhancing reproductive success. Our study is the first to quantify the role of flying foxes in durian pollination, demonstrating that these giant fruit bats may have far more important ecological, evolutionary, and economic roles than previously thought. This has important implications and can aid efforts to promote flying fox conservation, especially in Southeast Asian countries.

Coral recruitment success and sessile benthic colonisation estimation in Tioman Island Marine Park, Malaysia

This study examined the implementation of designated artificial reef plates made of coral rubble, sand and plasters cement as a potential substrate in order to optimise the recruitment success at four reef sites in Tioman Island in Malaysia, namely Genting Village, Renggis Island, Teduh Bay and Juara Bay between April 2012 and June 2013. Recruitment was dominated by Acroporidae (65.48%), followed by Pocilloporidae (31.4%), Faviidae (2.34%), Poritidae (0.89%) and Fungiidae (0.19%). Terracotta tiles had significantly higher recruitment densities compared to artificial reef plates, and were further compared to artificial reef plates at each reef site (Mann Whitney U = 983.5, Z = −3.43, ρ < 0.05) during the initial settlement period. However, no significant difference was observed between both types of plates during the post-settlement period. Artificial reef plates exhibited a higher mean total benthic percentage cover compared to terracotta tiles during both settlement periods. These results might provide significant information on a proper substrate in order to optimise coral settlement.

Butterflies of Tioman Island, West Malaysia, with the Descriptions of New Subspecies

Butterflies of Tioman Island, West Malaysia, with the Descriptions of New Subspecies

Determinants of Recycling Behaviour in Tioman Island

The rapid increase in solid waste is a major environmental problem and recycling is argued to be a better solution to the problem. However, there is a broad agreement that there is a gap between the increasing awareness for recycling and the recycling behaviour among the consumers. The aim of this study is to investigate the recycling behaviour among 62 residents of Tioman Island. A structured questionnaire that included 33 items is used to obtain the data. The findings show a significant relationship between recycling behaviour and collectivism; a positive, weak relationship with recycling attitudes; and a negative relationship with materialism.

Erratum to: Coexistence and Conflict between the Island Flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) and Humans on Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia

Erratum to: Coexistence and Conflict between the Island Flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) and Humans on Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia

Coexistence and Conflict between the Island Flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) and Humans on Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia

As tropical landscapes become increasingly human-dominated, conflicts between people and wildlife threaten ecological processes. Old World fruit bats such as flying foxes are especially susceptible to extinction risk because there is low interest in their conservation, particularly when they are considered pests. In order to arrest fruit bat declines, there is an urgent need to understand human-bat conflict and its implications. On a tropical island in Peninsular Malaysia, we conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate coexistence between people and the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus). Among 119 respondents, knowledge of ecosystem services provided by flying foxes was extremely low. Most respondents held negative attitudes towards the bats, and older male locals were more likely to support killing them. This was also true for older owners of fruit trees who derived income from selling fruit, and experienced flying fox raids. Our results can be used to design appropriate interventions to support conservation efforts, and has important implications for managing conflicts between humans and synanthropic wildlife.

Elucidating the diet of the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) in Peninsular Malaysia through Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing.

There is an urgent need to identify and understand the ecosystem services of pollination and seed dispersal provided by threatened mammals such as flying foxes. The first step towards this is to obtain comprehensive data on their diet. However, the volant and nocturnal nature of bats presents a particularly challenging situation, and conventional microhistological approaches to studying their diet can be laborious and time-consuming, and provide incomplete information. We used Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) as a novel, non-invasive method for analysing the diet of the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) on Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia. Through DNA metabarcoding of plants in flying fox droppings, using primers targeting the rbcL gene, we identified at least 29 Operationally Taxonomic Units (OTUs) comprising the diet of this giant pteropodid. OTU sequences matched at least four genera and 14 plant families from online reference databases based on a conservative Least Common Ancestor approach, and eight species from our site-specific plant reference collection. NGS was just as successful as conventional microhistological analysis in detecting plant taxa from droppings, but also uncovered six additional plant taxa. The island flying fox’s diet appeared to be dominated by figs (Ficus sp.), which was the most abundant plant taxon detected in the droppings every single month. Our study has shown that NGS can add value to the conventional microhistological approach in identifying food plant species from flying fox droppings. At this point in time, more accurate genus- and species-level identification of OTUs not only requires support from databases with more representative sequences of relevant plant DNA, but probably necessitates in situ collection of plant specimens to create a reference collection. Although this method cannot be used to quantify true abundance or proportion of plant species, nor plant parts consumed, it ultimately provides a very important first step towards identifying plant taxa and spatio-temporal patterns in flying fox diets.

Simulation of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifer of Kg. Salang, Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

Numerical models are capable of simulating various groundwater scenarios and relate it towards groundwater management. A mesh based density dependent flow model, FEFLOW is used to simulate groundwater flow and transport for a coastal island aquifer in Kg. Salang, Tioman Island, Malaysia. FEFLOW is designed to simulate 2D and 3D, variable density groundwater flow and multi-species transport. The impacts of pumping and recharge rates represented by three different groundwater scenarios, which were investigated by means of hydraulic heads, TDS concentrations and water balance components. Scenario A showed the standard saturated groundwater flow and the steady state fluid flow. Over pumping and inconsistency in recharge rate are the stresses shown in Scenarios B and C. Scenario B involved in the maximum pumping rate of 96m3 per day and recharge rate of 300mm per year has shown a drawdown of 1.5 m. Scenario C showed the extreme pumping rate of 1000m 3 per day and without recharge has shown a decrease in groundwater levels of 6.3 m.and groundwater storage (50%). Scenario B presented the most promising finding compared with Scenario C. Highest hydraulic heads, lowest mass concentration and positive groundwater storage (2578.6m 3 /day) were obtained in Scenario B. Additionally, and further progress is needed in obtaining the water usage data from each part to determine the best pumping rate. A sustainable groundwater management plan is crucial to maintain the natural resources and social benefits as well as to protect the ecological balance.

Current status of coral reefs in Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia

The present study aimed to determine the current status of corals using the coral video transect (CVT) method in the east coast, west coast, and isolated areas of Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 65 genera from 21 families of corals were identified, from which the scleractinian corals of Acropora, Montipora, and Porites were dominant in the coral assemblages. Nine reef sites were categorised as having ‘good’ (51.4%–60.3%) coral condition and four reef sites as having ‘fair’ (37.6%–49.2%) coral condition. This study concluded that the reefs around Tioman Island were in ‘good’ average coral condition and have high generic diversity with mixed coral morphological structures. The east coast and isolated areas had better live coral cover compared to the west coast area due to less coastal development and human impacts.

Petrology and geochemistry of igneous rocks from southern Tioman Island, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Petrology and geochemistry of igneous rocks from southern Tioman Island, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Molecular evidence of Sarcocystis nesbitti in water samples of Tioman Island, Malaysia

Background Sarcocystis are intracellular protozoan parasites that are characterised by their ability to invade muscle tissue and form intramuscular sarcocysts. A muscular sarcocystosis outbreak was reported by travellers returning from Tioman Island in 2011 and 2012 where Sarcocystis nesbitti was identified as the main cause. The source of the S. nesbitti that was involved has remained elusive, although water is hypothesised to be the main cause of transmission. A surveillance study was therefore undertaken in the northern regions of Tioman Island to identify the source of S. nesbitti by screening rivers, water tanks, wells and seawater.MethodsWater samples were collected from rivers, water tanks, wells and seawater on Tioman Island over the course of April to October 2015. Water samples were indirectly screened for Sarcocystis species by obtaining sediment from respective water sources. PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene region was conducted to identify positive samples. Microscopy was used in an attempt to reappraise PCR results, but no sporocysts were detected in any of the samples.ResultsA total of 157 water samples were obtained and 19 were positive for various Sarcocystis species. Through BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis, these species were found to be S. singaporensis, S. nesbitti, Sarcocystis sp. YLL-2013 and one unidentified Sarcocystis species.ConclusionsThis is the first positive finding of S. nesbitti in water samples on Tioman Island, which was found in a water tank and in river water samples. This finding supports the hypothesis that water was a potential medium for the transmission of S. nesbitti during the outbreak. This will potentially identify areas in which preventive measures can be taken to prevent future outbreaks.

Seeking tourism sustainability – A case study of Tioman Island, Malaysia

This study evaluates Tioman Island's sustainability achievement using the Sustainable Ecotourism Indicator System (SEIS). Sustainability is achieved if each stakeholder makes a positive contribution to others in social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The overall sustainability score allows objective comparisons across destinations, which may provoke positive reactions from stakeholders to play their parts. Three questionnaire versions were designed in which each stakeholder group (39 government officers, 104 local communities, and 105 tourists) rated their perceptions of sustainable relationships with two other stakeholder groups, resulting in six sustainable relationship aspects. The results indicate that Tioman Island is classified as ‘‘potentially sustainable’’ (58.89%).

Leptogomphus tioman sp. nov. (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidea)from Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species Leptogomphus tioman is described based on male specimens collected from Tioman Island, Peninsular Malaysia. It is close to Leptogomphus risi Laidlaw in thoracic markings but is readily distinguished by its anal appendages and accessory genitalia.

Investigation of potential hybrid renewable energy at various rural areas in Malaysia

Feasibility study of the renewable energy resources is usually employed as a primary step in the design of Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES), to highlight the most potential sources and the best combinations obtained by using HOMER software. Thus, the main objective of this study is to identify the potential areas in Malaysia utilize solar, the wind and Micro Hydropower (MHP) sources. For this purpose, the results of a study accomplished by Ibrahim Hussein in 2010 are considered to obtain sites with the greatest hydropower potential in Malaysia. Then, a renewable energy resource assessment for these sites was performed to identify the sites that have the greatest solar, wind and hydropower potentials based on total Net Present Cost (NPC) comparison. Based on the historical data, a daily pattern emerged in electricity consumption among rural residents in Malaysia. The results of this study indicate Langkawi is the most potential region for the solar/wind combination by the significant difference with other regions (total NPC of 696,083 USD). After Langkawi, Tioman Islands has the second rank (total NPC of 818,931 USD), while villages in Tioman are the most appropriate sites for installing hybrid renewable energy system with the current specifications. In terms of the premiered locations for solar and hydropower potential, four sites at Lawas in Sarawak and Ranau in Sabah were identified as the greatest potential (total NPC of 354,000 USD). These findings demonstrate that Tioman Islands and Malaysian Borneo Island (Sabah and Sarawak) can be considered as the most attractive regions for the solar/wind/MHP and solar/MHP, respectively.

Hydrogeochemistry Characteristics in Kampong Salang, Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia

The constituents of major ions of groundwater samples has been used to identify the chemical characteristics and the type of groundwater in the low lying area in Kampong Salang located at north-west of Tioman Island in Pahang state. This study aimed to identify the groundwater quality with some geochemical process and to understand groundwater characteristics in the low-lying aquifer of the study area. From that, fourty two (42) groundwater samples were collected and analysed for various parameters. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca, Na, Mg, K, HCO3, Cl, SO4, NO3, CO3, were determined. TDS did not exceed 1,000 mg/l with a maximum of 359 mg/l for sampling activities. Generally, groundwater in the study area is fresh, based on the analytical results. Hydrochemical facies of groundwater in the study area are dominated by Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type. A software known as PHREEQC was used to calculate the saturation indices for the main mineral phases with respect to carbonate and sulphate minerals. Most of the minerals were saturated to undersaturated with respect to carbonate minerals and undersaturated with respect to sulphate minerals composition. Maximum ionic strength in the study area is 0.009 which was found 90 m from the sea. Mostly minerals from calcite and dolomite precipitation are from bedrock of pyroxene hornfel.

Feasibility Analysis Model for Mini Hydropower Plant in Tioman Island, Malaysia

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the technical, theoretical and financial analysis of a hydro power plant, which is considered as dependable and sustainable among all other forms of renewable energy. Hydropower energy is broadly used all over the world, whether in the form of minihydro for a single village or a massive dam to serve the entire country. Industrialized countries have utilized their hydro potential extensively. However, in the developing world, particularly in the equatorial zone, hydropower remains an option with considerable potential for satisfying energy needs. The study was conducted using the RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis software. Based on hydrology analysis, the design of mini hydro is optimized by considering costing, efficiency, expected operating and capacity factor. In addition, plant design and size are evaluated by using capacity factor, NPV and payback period. From the financial analysis, a NPV value of RM3.5 million and payback period of 10.8 years is obtained for the u...

Feasibility Analysis Model for Mini Hydropower Plant in Tioman Island, Malaysia

This study focuses on the technical, theoretical and financialanalysis of a hydro power plant, which is considered as dependable andsustainable among all other forms of renewable energy. Hydropowerenergy is broadly used all over the world, whether in the form of mini-hydro for a single village or a massive dam to serve the entire country.Industrialized countries have utilized their hydro potential extensively.However, in the developing world, particularly in the equatorial zone,hydropower remains an option with considerable potential for satisfy -ing energy needs. The study was conducted using the RETScreen CleanEnergy Project Analysis software. Based on hydrology analysis, thedesign of mini hydro is optimized by considering costing, efficiency, ex -pected operating and capacity factor. In addition, plant design and sizeare evaluated by using capacity factor, NPV and payback period. Fromthe financial analysis, a NPV value of RM3.5 million and payback periodof 10.8 years is obtained for the underlying project.

DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EUPHYLLIDAE CORALS IN TIOMAN ISLAND: EMPHASIS ON THE GENETIC VARIATION OF EUPHYLLIA CRISTATA

Euphyllidae corals are among the most beautiful corals that have been exploited for the aquarium trade all over the world. In Malaysia, the information on these coral species particularly on the diversity and genetic variation is not fully documented. Realizing to this matter, the diversity and distribution of Euphylllidae corals were investigated at 13 sampling stations in Tioman Island. The diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals were observed and recorded using the Coral Video Transect (CVT) method. The captured images were analyzed using Coral Point Count with Excel extension (CPCe) software. The samples of Euphyllia cristata were collected at three different zones in Tioman Island (East Coast, West Coast and Isolated Island). The samples were extracted and mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase 1 gene primer was used to study their genetic variation. A total of six species belong to three genera of Euphyllia, Plerogyra and Physogyra were recorded. Benuang Bay (East Coast) and Bayan Bay (Isolated Island) have shown higher diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals among the sampling stations. The Shannon-Weinner index (H’) of Benuang Bay and Bayan Bay were 1.42 and 1.43 respectively. The West Coast zone had the lowest diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals due to massive coastal development and loads of human intervention. The genetic sequences from the East Coast and West Coast were closely related. The pairwise distance between these two zones is 0.003. There is a slight difference in the sequence from the Isolated Island. The pairwise distance of West Coast-Isolated and East Coast-Isolated are 0.021 and 0.025 respectively. However, it is relatively low to consider there is evolutionary divergence between the samples. Thus, no genetic variation was observed between all Euphyllia cristata taken at three different zones of Tioman Island. This study has shown that there was a highly significant difference (p&lt;0.01) in the diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals with respect to sampling stations.